Buildings

There once was a gifted architect who also happened to be wise. He was smart about his craft but what made him wise was he knew its purpose. The builder of some of the greatest cathedrals and sacred spaces, as well as remarkable performance spaces and cultural arts centers, his reputation made him the preeminent architect of his time. But he was always able to see beyond the buildings themselves, see beyond the glass and columns, to the purpose of those buildings. “My job is to create spaces,” he humbly pointed out, “but it’s what happens in those spaces that truly matters.”

I think the same wisdom can be used when looking at our lives. We come into this world and begin construction right away. Over the years, we construct lives that are not only unique but are sometimes grand and impressive. The architect would remind us, however, that such creations are not as important as what happens within our lives.

Inside the dwelling places of our souls, whether they be cathedrals or cottages, what goes on? What are we about? Do we focus on adding new wings or making impressive renovations, or are we looking beyond the particulars to how our short time here on earth can count for something? Are we looking to build legacy of “bricks” and “mortar,” or one of flesh and blood. Are we wandering in self-congratulating awe around the lives we’ve built, or are we busy inside seeking to make a difference in the lives of others?

We are living in an interesting moment. Never have I known anything like it, although the fundamental questions are the same. In the light of our heated and volatile time, these architectural questions are more pronounced: Are we here to build bigger and more impressive buildings or to turn our attention to what we do within the “buildings” we already have. Are we to focus only on ourselves and people like us or on others and the world around us?

Buildings don’t last, but the work within them can.